Show of force

Carlos Alcaraz came through a testing first-round match against Adam Walton at Queen’s Club Championship on Tuesday as the top seed returned to action for the first time since his dramatic French Open triumph.

But two of the world’s top 10 crashed out as Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lost to French duo Corentin Moutet and Arthur Rinderknech, respectively.

Alcaraz, back on grass for the first time since winning his second Wimbledon title last year, beat his 86th-ranked opponent 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on a sweaty day in west London.

The Spaniard, who overcame Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros just nine days ago, broke in the seventh game and went on to clinch the first set against lucky loser Walton, who replaced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after he withdrew due to illness.

The 2023 Queen’s champion appeared to have found his rhythm only for Walton to rally impressively, carving out two set points on his opponent’s serve in the 10th game.

But the Australian failed to convert either of them and Alcaraz leveled, coming out on top in the subsequent tie-break.

Alcaraz scribbled “Grass season, here we go!” on the courtside camera lens, thanking fans for their vocal support and saying he felt “loved” in London.

“First match on grass is never easy to get used to the competition again, to get used to the grass again,” he said. “So, I just want to say thank you for helping me a little bit.”

The world No. 2 said he had taken time away from tennis after his grueling French Open triumph to “reset” his mind and rest.

“I’m just really happy with the performance that I had today,” he said.

“First match, I feel great. Obviously, a lot of things to improve, a lot of things that I have to put into work just to feel a little bit more comfortable on the grass. But in general, I’m just happy to get through.”

Alcaraz faces compatriot Jaume Munar in the Last 16.

World No. 4 Fritz failed to convert a match point against Moutet before losing 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 7-5.

Moutet held on in the second set tie-break before securing the only break of serve in the match in the final game.

Sheldon also stumbled to a shock early exit to Rinderknech in two tie-breaks 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).